How Smart is a Smart Home?

July 13, 2015

The technology is getting closer. We already have appliances we can control with apps. Sound systems integrated into homes flawlessly. Experts have developed a universal remote that can control everything from your TV to the lighting to the temperature. But how smart are our houses actually?

There are many pros and cons when it comes to owning or building a smart home. As this industry grows each year with new technology and software, it is obvious this is where housing is headed.

PROS

Peace of Mind – Worried you left the stove on? Forgot to turn the thermostat down? Rather than racing home or fretting all day over these things, you now can check and adjust these things right from your smart phone or tablet.

Convenience – It can be frustrating having to learn to use different remotes or programs for each device in your home. But as smart homes develop, the ease of use is progressing. Avoid countless controls by syncing your smart features together with one universal control center. Many companies today are developing universal systems that focus on the ease of use.

Safety – Safety is always an important feature as a homeowner. Being able monitor your home while you are away is a rapidly growing necessity in today’s world. Monitor cameras in your home and keep an eye on children getting home from school. Being able to control the safety of your home at your fingertips on the go is one of the main reasons people are turning to and becoming more interested in smart home features.

CONS

Hacks – It is known that having information and controls online increases the risk of your system being hacked. While this phenomenon has grown in recent years with security breeches and stolen identities, it has also allowed companies to grow and learn from the past thereby creating new technology that protects you more.

Expensive – Investing in technology can be incredibly costly. From new gadgets to installing them properly, plus any service fees associated with security cameras or similar features, the expense can add up rapidly. Do your research thoroughly before signing up for all of the services.

Constantly Changing Technology – It is no secret technology changes and improves faster than any of us can keep up. So think about this when investing in or developing a smart home of your own. By the time you have the “latest and greatest” feature in one room, the next room could be completely outdated. Keeping up with the trends could send you running in circles for years.